The East Picacho Elementary School fifth-grader has Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy, a genetic condition causing severe muscle weakness over time. Though wheelchair-bound and with limited arm movement, John-Dylan hasn't let his condition stop him from earning a black belt in tae kwon do.

Colonel, a service dog, aims to bolster that independence even more, helping John-Dylan with everything from picking up dropped objects and opening doors to getting help if he falls.

"It's just something that could help me with my life and something mom and dad can leave me alone with," said John-Dylan, who now relies on his parents to grab items or open doors.

Colonel wears a dark green service vest with a large "Do not touch" patch on his back. He's a working dog, after all.

Federal law requires all public places admit Colonel.

More than 1,600 people in the country are on the Canine Assistants waiting list while only 40 to 50 dogs are given out each year to people with muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, post-traumatic stress disorder and seizures, dad John Cully said.

"It's going to be a big confidence booster for him," he said. "He won't have to rely on his mother and I as much."

Colonel also takes John-Dylan's wheelchair out of the picture, he said, as people focus more on the dog than the chair.

"He can help if I fall down on the ground and get help," John-Dylan said. "Just something that can help me erase my wheelchair."

Father and son spent April 7-19 at a training camp in Georgia before officially receiving Colonel at the end of the two weeks.

The dogs begin training and wearing service vests soon after they are born. Trainers and foster families ensure they are exposed to everything, from elevators to pots and pans.

Colonel already knows about 90 commands, some of which simply require a look and he sits or lays down. He can also urinate on command.